A MAN struggled violently during a confrontation with the police after damaging his ex-girlfriend's car and hurling abuse outside her home, a court heard.

Richard Lee, 35, of Messingham Road, Scunthorpe, admitted using threatening words or behaviour, obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duty, damaging a car belonging to Kate Van Den Berg and drink-driving.

Nick Wyman, prosecuting, told North Lincolnshire Magistrates' Court Lee's five-year relationship with Miss Van Den Berg broke down and he found it difficult to accept.

He was given a harassment warning but went to the home of her parents in Eton Drive, Scunthorpe, where she had gone to live, and started banging on the door and shouting and swearing. She later discovered her car's wing mirror had been damaged.

Police later spotted Lee walking from his car in Messingham Road.

He was unsteady on his feet, resisted arrest and struggled with police.

He and an officer fell through a hedge.

He continued resisting arrest but stopped when he was threatened with having a Taser used on him, said Mr Wyman.

A breath test revealed he had 80mcg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Vicky Lee, mitigating, said the defendant admitted his behaviour had been "dreadful" and "deplorable" and that this caused the "very acrimonious" breakdown of the relationship.

Miss Lee said Lee was upset when his ex-girlfriend refused to take him back and he acted out of "sheer frustration".

Lee was given an 18-month supervision order, including a domestic abuse programme, and a three-year restraining order banning him from contacting Miss Van Den Berg.

He was ordered to pay £150 compensation and £85 costs, and was banned from driving for 20 months.